WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Wildfire danger is rising across parts of Whatcom County as gusty winds and lightning threaten to worsen already deteriorating air quality.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning covering much of eastern Whatcom County through 11 Wednesday night, Aug. 12.

After that, a fire weather watch will take effect from Thursday morning through the evening.

Forecasters say scattered lightning and gusty outflow winds are putting the region at a heightened risk for wildfires.

It comes as the air quality is already starting to worsen throughout the entire county. Fires in the eastern part of the county combined with blazes north of the border seem to be the main source of depleting air quality for our region.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency is forecasting unhealthy levels from Everson eastward Wednesday and Thursday.

Lynden, Blaine and Ferndale are expected to have unhealthy air for sensitive groups both days, while Bellingham is forecast to return to moderate levels by Thursday.